Krzysztof Warlikowski's 'We are leaving' at Venice Biennale Teatro

Krzysztof Warlikowski, recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2021 Venice Biennale Teatro, presents 'We are leaving', a powerful adaptation of Hanoch Levin's 'Suitcase Packers'. The production features the historic cast of Warsaw's Nowy Teatr, with set design by Małgorzata Szczęśniak. The stage transforms between a waiting room and a street club, symbolizing the impasse of 19 characters. Warlikowski infuses Levin's Israel with references to Poland's political context. The work includes eight funerals (subtitled 'Comedy with eight funerals'), using transparent doors and video to explore humanity's detachment from death. Warlikowski aims to break limited notions of freedom and reestablish a relationship with mortality, critiquing tyrannical democracies. The piece premiered at the 49th Venice Biennale Teatro, curated by Antonio Latella.